Chlamydia pneumoniae by PCR

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR56089Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0060715CPT Code 87486

Chlamydia pneumoniae by PCR

Also known as: CPNEUMOPCR

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

The Chlamydia pneumoniae by PCR test is designed to detect the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections, including community-acquired pneumonia. It is a highly specific and sensitive technique that amplifies the genetic material of the organism, allowing for its detection even in low abundance. This test is beneficial for diagnosing infections where Chlamydia pneumoniae is suspected as the causative agent, especially in atypical pneumonia cases or when other common pathogens are not found.

Special Instructions

This test requires a respiratory specimen, which includes bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), nasal wash, nasopharyngeal swab, or pleural fluid. Specimens must be collected appropriately and transported under the specified conditions. Each specimen should be placed in a separate, individually sealed bag and can be transferred to viral transport media if needed.

Limitations

This test has several limitations, including the possibility of PCR inhibitors being present in the specimen, which can affect the results. A negative result does not necessarily rule out the presence of the organism, especially if the bacterial load is below the detection limits of the assay. It is crucial to consider the clinical context and other diagnostic tests when interpreting results. Additionally, the test is not FDA cleared or approved, although it was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories within a CLIA certified laboratory.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

PCR-based (Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Biomarkers

Chlamydia pneumoniae

Microorganism

Presence/Absence • Other • Binary (Detected / Not Detected)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

66746-9

Result Codes

34645-2

Result Turnaround Time

1-5 days

Specimen

Body Fluid

Volume

2 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

Sterile container

Collection Instructions

Fluid samples can be transferred to viral transport media (ARUP supply #12884). Each specimen should be placed in a separate, individually sealed bag.